McKaiser writes that he initially responded angrily but after a tense chat where the man asked him to help him understand why that was an offensive statement, they “proceeded to have a beautiful and long conversation about morality, philosophy and critical thinking.”

So there I was minding my rib-eye steak, possibly originating from a cow but who really knows in these horsey times? It looked juicy, though, just like the picture on the restaurant’s menu, until my protein enthusiasm was drained by what was about to happen.

An enthusiastic 21-year-old recognised me from a book event I did at the University of Johannesburg. He wanted to ask a question. I obliged. His slight frame, innocent brown eyes and hesitant body language did not prepare me for what was to come.